After suffering a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), the injured person and their family may have numerous questions. One of the most pressing questions is: What is the life expectancy of someone suffering a spinal cord injury?
There are several factors that come into play, including how severe it is, where it happens along the spine, and a person’s age. All of these can have a major impact on how long a person can live.
While SCI is a life-altering event, advances in medical care and rehabilitation mean that people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before.
The Definition of a Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury occurs when trauma damages the spinal cord. This is often due to accidents like car crashes, falls, sports injuries, or medical malpractice. The spinal cord acts as a communication highway, sending messages from the brain to the rest of the body. Those signals can be interrupted when damaged, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation below the injury site.
When talking about life expectancy, the level of the injury also matters. For example, if the injury happens in the neck area, it can lead to paralysis in both the arms and legs (tetraplegia). But if the injury is lower down in the spine, it usually results in paraplegia, affecting only the lower limbs.
What Affects Life Expectancy After SCI?
According to a 50-year study from the University of Sydney, here is a breakdown of what those with SCI may expect:
- 2% of people with tetraplegia died within the first 12 months of injury.
- 1% of people with paraplegia died within the same time frame.
However, there was some good news for those who survived past the first year. The 40-year survival rates for individuals include:
- Tetraplegia: 47% are expected to survive for 40 years after the injury.
- Paraplegia: 62% are expected to survive for 40 years after the injury.
So, what determines how long someone with a spinal cord injury can expect to live? It’s not just about the injury itself. There are a mix of factors, such as the severity of the injury, the person’s age, their overall health, and how well they are taken care of medically.
Severity and Level of Injury
The severity and location of the injury are huge factors in determining life expectancy.
For example, individuals with injuries to the cervical spine often face more challenges because of how it impacts breathing and other vital functions. People with injuries in the neck area may need assistance to breathe and are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia and other respiratory complications, which can shorten their lifespan.
On the other hand, people with lower-level injuries often have a better prognosis. Even though they still face hurdles, they are less likely to experience life-threatening complications like respiratory issues.
Age at the Time of Injury
Age is another important factor. If a person is young when the injury occurs, they can better survive the initial trauma and adapt to life afterward. Younger people tend to be healthier, more resilient, and more likely to get through the challenging early stages of recovery.
Medical Care and Rehabilitation
One of the biggest factors in life expectancy for people with SCI is the quality of the medical care and rehab they receive. Immediate care after the injury can make all the difference in preventing additional damage.
For example, surgery to stabilize the spine right after the injury can minimize the risk of additional harm. Regular follow-ups to monitor for secondary conditions, like infections or pressure sores, are vital for helping someone stay healthy in the long term.
Rehab also plays a massive role in improving quality of life and life expectancy. People who get into intensive rehabilitation programs are more likely to regain some independence and manage their health better over time.
Secondary Health Issues Cause Complications
These secondary issues are a real concern for people with SCI. These conditions are often the leading causes of death. Some of the most common ones include:
- Respiratory issues: Breathing can become difficult for those with injuries above the C4 vertebra. Also, respiratory infections like pneumonia become a serious threat.
- Cardiovascular problems: People with SCI are also at higher risk for heart disease, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.
- Infections: People with SCI often struggle with infections, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pressure sores.
- Blood clots: Decreased mobility after an SCI increases the risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). These can be fatal if not caught early.
The life expectancy for those living with spinal cord injuries has improved dramatically. Some individuals with lower-level injuries and access to good healthcare can live into their 70s or even longer.
If you have been affected by a spinal cord injury caused by negligence, you may be able to take legal action. The legal team at Shrager, Sachs & Blanco will be ready to assist with your situation.
